MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A small volcano on a scenic lake near the Philippine capital spewed a mile-high plume of ash and white vapor in a brief but powerful explosion on Saturday, forcing authorities to raise the alert level and Evict hundreds of local residents from places in danger zones.
The magma came into contact with water in the main crater of Taal volcano in Batangas province, causing an explosion that was followed by minor emissions and volcanic convulsions, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.
The center raised the alert level on Taal, which at 311 meters (1,020 feet) is one of the smallest volcanoes in the world, to the third level on a scale of five. This means that “there is a magmatic incursion in the main crater that can trigger new eruptions”. Stage 5 assumes an outbreak is taking place that could destroy communities.
Residents of five lakeside villages in a danger zone within a 7 km (4-mile) radius of the crater and the towns of Agoncillo and Laurel have been warned of potential dangers, including the rapid movement of gases and materials, core meltdowns and a “volcanic eruption.” . Tsunami” in Taal Lake and began to dissipate.
More than 1,200 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters by midday, the government’s Disaster Management Center said.
As a precaution, authorities have temporarily banned activities like fishing in the lake around the volcano and asked surrounding communities to prepare for a possible ash fall. In addition, planes have been warned to stay as far away from the area as possible because of the potential “ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions” and other high-temperature volcanic emissions.
Taal erupted in January 2020, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and sending an ash cloud over Manila, about 65 km (40 miles) north, where the main airport was temporarily closed. Since then it has shown sporadic signs of activity.
The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
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Associated Press contributors Kiko Rosario and Aaron Favila contributed to this report.